This document describes how to connect the Cisco universal serial bus (USB) flash memory modules and the Aladdin Knowledge Systems USB eToken Pro keys to the Cisco router USB ports, and how to troubleshoot issues with the USB modules. This document contains the following sections:

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Description

Some Cisco access router models have USB ports that can be used with Cisco USB flash memory modules or with the Aladdin USB eToken Pro key. These USB modules can be used with a supported Cisco access router for the following functions:

•The Aladdin Knowledge Systems USB eToken Pro key provides a secure means of storing and deploying information, such as a bootstrap configuration or VPN credentials, apart from the router chassis. The USB eToken uses smart card technology to protect a small area of memory. The USB eToken grants access using a personal identification number (PIN). When IP Security (IPSec) VPN credentials are stored on the USB eToken, they are outside the router. When the USB eToken is inserted in a USB port, and when the user enters the PIN and unlocks the USB eToken, the user retrieves the credentials and copies them into running memory. When the USB eToken is removed, the router erases the credentials from running memory, ensuring that they cannot be retrieved from the router itself.

Note For more information about the eToken Pro key by Aladdin Knowledge Systems, see the Aladdin website.

•The Cisco USB flash memory module can be used to store an image or configuration file. Unlike the USB eToken, the Cisco USB flash memory module is nonsecure; but, is available in 64-MB, 128-MB, and 256-MB capacities.

•Touchless or low-touch provisioning—Combined with either the Cisco CNS 2100 Series Intelligence Engine or a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server, the USB ports can support a touchless or low-touch provisioning application. Both USB module options can store a bootstrap configuration: in a nonsecure memory area in the Cisco modules, and as a secure solution using the Aladdin USB eToken. The stored bootstrap configuration allows the router to boot and establish baseline connectivity. Once a connection is established, the router may contact an intelligence engine or TFTP server to download its full configuration or a new Cisco IOS software image. This capability eliminates the requirement to send a skilled technician to the customer premises for each installation.

Note For detailed information about these features, configuring the router to support these features, and the Cisco IOS commands that support USB modules, see the Cisco IOS USB Flash Module and USB eToken Support document. For more information about supported router platforms, see the documents listed in the "Related Documentation" section.

Connecting a USB Module to the Router USB Port

To connect a Cisco USB flash memory module or the Aladdin USB eToken to a router USB port, simply insert the module into the port as shown in Figure 1. The module can be inserted in only one way, and it can be inserted or removed whether the router is powered up or not.

Caution Do not remove a USB flash memory module when a read or write operation to the USB flash memory module is in progress. The router might reload, or the USB flash memory module card can be damaged.

Using a USB Extension Cable

Some Cisco access router models have USB ports on the front side of the router; other models have USB ports on the back side of the router. Depending on your router model and the direction in which it is mounted on a rack, you may need a USB extension cable to provide easy access to the USB ports. In addition, some routers have two USB ports. In order to use two USB modules on a router with two USB ports, USB extension cables are required, because the USB ports are too close together to accommodate two modules side-by-side.

Note USB hubs are not supported on Cisco Access routers.

To connect a USB extension cable, plug the male end of the USB extension cable into the USB port on the router, and route the female end of the USB extension cable to a convenient place on the rack to make access to the USB ports easy.

Figure 2 shows an example of how to connect the USB extension cable to a router.

Caution Some USB extension cables have exposed metal parts when the USB flash memory module is plugged into them. This can cause the USB flash memory module and the router to which it is connected to be vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. If you are using a USB extension cable, be sure to use an appropriate cable and to take precautions to avoid ESD damage. For more information about avoiding ESD damage, see the hardware installation document for your router. For more information about USB extension cables, see the
Cisco Access Router USB Flash Module and USB eToken Hardware Installation Guide at the following URL:

Product Documentation DVD

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Reporting Security Problems in Cisco Products

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An emergency is either a condition in which a system is under active attack or a condition for which a severe and urgent security vulnerability should be reported. All other conditions are considered nonemergencies.

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Never use a revoked encryption key or an expired encryption key. The correct public key to use in your correspondence with PSIRT is the one linked in the Contact Summary section of the Security Vulnerability Policy page at this URL:

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Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco Technical Support provides 24-hour-a-day award-winning technical assistance. The Cisco Technical Support & Documentation website on Cisco.com features extensive online support resources. In addition, if you have a valid Cisco service contract, Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) engineers provide telephone support. If you do not have a valid Cisco service contract, contact your reseller.

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Submitting a Service Request

Using the online TAC Service Request Tool is the fastest way to open S3 and S4 service requests. (S3 and S4 service requests are those in which your network is minimally impaired or for which you require product information.) After you describe your situation, the TAC Service Request Tool provides recommended solutions. If your issue is not resolved using the recommended resources, your service request is assigned to a Cisco engineer. The TAC Service Request Tool is located at this URL:

For S1 or S2 service requests, or if you do not have Internet access, contact the Cisco TAC by telephone. (S1 or S2 service requests are those in which your production network is down or severely degraded.) Cisco engineers are assigned immediately to S1 and S2 service requests to help keep your business operations running smoothly.

To open a service request by telephone, use one of the following numbers:

Definitions of Service Request Severity

To ensure that all service requests are reported in a standard format, Cisco has established severity definitions.

Severity 1 (S1)—An existing network is "down" or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.

Severity 2 (S2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your business operations are negatively affected by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and Cisco will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.

Severity 3 (S3)—Operational performance of the network is impaired while most business operations remain functional. You and Cisco will commit resources during normal business hours to restore service to satisfactory levels.

Severity 4 (S4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or configuration. There is little or no effect on your business operations.

Obtaining Additional Publications and Information

Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various online and printed sources.

•The Cisco Online Subscription Center is the website where you can sign up for a variety of Cisco e-mail newsletters and other communications. Create a profile and then select the subscriptions that you would like to receive. To visit the Cisco Online Subscription Center, go to this URL:

•The Cisco Product Quick Reference Guide is a handy, compact reference tool that includes brief product overviews, key features, sample part numbers, and abbreviated technical specifications for many Cisco products that are sold through channel partners. It is updated twice a year and includes the latest Cisco channel product offerings. To order and find out more about the Cisco Product Quick Reference Guide, go to this URL:

•Cisco Press publishes a wide range of general networking, training, and certification titles. Both new and experienced users will benefit from these publications. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press at this URL:

•Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering professionals involved in designing, developing, and operating public and private internets and intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:

•Networking Professionals Connection is an interactive website where networking professionals share questions, suggestions, and information about networking products and technologies with Cisco experts and other networking professionals. Join a discussion at this URL:

•"What's New in Cisco Documentation" is an online publication that provides information about the latest documentation releases for Cisco products. Updated monthly, this online publication is organized by product category to direct you quickly to the documentation for your products. You can view the latest release of "What's New in Cisco Documentation" at this URL: